2014 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,678 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 32 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 38 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftNov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Campaign 20V692000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Campaign 16V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,678 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the steering wheel while steering in either direction. In addition, the contact also stated that the steering wheel would fail to readjust after making a turn and would stiffen while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact called the dealer where she was given an estimate for the repair and was informed that the parts to repair the steering wheel were on back order. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the vehicle was at the dealer for an air bag customer service repair when a leak in the water pump was discovered. The contact stated that the water pump needed to be replaced; however, the water pump was not replaced due to the cost. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the engine could fail. The contact stated that he had not experienced a failure but was concerned that a failure could occur with no warning as the issue was not discovered until the vehicle went to the dealer for an air bag customer service program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered as there was no recall. The contact stated that he researched the failure and found a Customer Service Program in Canada for the issue but not in the United States. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
Faulty water pump went out on roadtrip, hours away from home. It left me and my children stranded for 4 hours in 100° conditions. No engine light or indicators came on to warn there was a problem. Coolant mixed in with oil and engine started misfiring. I immediately turned vehicle off until a Mechanic could diagnose the problem.
Power train, Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the driveway and shifting to park(P), the gear position indicator failed to indicate that the vehicle was in park(P). The contact turned on and turned off the vehicle several times before the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2022
Air conditioner malfunctioned 2014 and entire dual system climate required replacement. System malfunctioned again and rear lines require replacement and compressor was reported to have malfunctioned. Power steering pump and components failed and June 2014 requiring repair. Sunroof motors failed in 2020 requiring replacement.
Steering, Jun 22, 2022
second time loss of power steering, first time almost got in accident. they said it was battery, so they replaced battery and reprogramed it at dealership. second time it happened was parked and when restarted no power steering, brought to dealership they said it was the steering rack, replaced rack, cost 2400,00 this should be covered under the recall
Steering, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked with the Service Advance Trac and Steering Fault - Service Now messages displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. Upon taking the vehicle to an unknown dealer for an oil change, the dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the contact stated that the steering felt sticky while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no early availability to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated while driving 45-60 MPH while taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the steering wheel seized inadvertently. The Service Advance Trac and Steering Fault - Service Now messages were displayed. The contact stated that he shook the steering wheel several times and the steering wheel loosened. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering assist unit had failed and needed to be replaced; however, neither the OEM parts nor aftermarket parts were available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as there was no open recalls associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and then there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case connected to the transmission was fractured. The dealer informed the contact that the transfer case and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,361.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2022
1st time steering went out my family and I had driven 4 hours away to veterans park in marrinette County, we enjoyed a walk and went to leave turned car on as normal and put in reverse and had no steering had it flatbedded to a shop near home. Had rack and pinion replaced. Few months later noticed I had a very hard time steering all of a sudden no returnablity once steering wheel turned in either direction, called shop again brought back in checked out the part was defective that was put in rack in pinion replaced again, now here we r again steering going again, this is the 3rd time in the last 3 years the cost is to high to repair again and I can't even drive my son to school or myself and feel safe doing so. Also went into local ford dealshipnfor last recall and was told my hubs were bad but I exceeded the time frame to have them replaced within the recall told me I needed to pay 2500.00 to have replaced, so now I have a 30,000.00 car with a bank loan on it that is unsafe to drive for me and other on the road, have to pay for full coverage insurance and can't get anywhere. Recall on ever year but mine for the steering issue and ford won't help me. I have called them.
Steering, Jun 19, 2022
The electronic steering assist is making noises. It’s hard to steer, steering locks up same issues as 2011-13 and 2016-17 Explorers. 2014 is the only model which hasn’t been recalled mileage is 112453 bought used with 109280 miles. When driving the steering wheel will suddenly lock up where you can’t turn then after a moment or so it will free up. This is very dangerous and I’ve seen a lot of other Ford Explorer owners with this same year 2014 having same problems and even wrecking their cars because of it. Ford recalled 2011-13 and 2016-17 but not 2014 or 2015 and these years are having same problems as the recalled vehicles.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was starting the vehicle, she noticed a fuel leak underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel pump had detached causing the fuel leak. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Jun 16, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park, it inadvertently shifted to reverse and the vehicle hit a tree. There was no failure warning lights. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and repaired the cosmetic damages. There was no failure diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
Complete loss of electronic power steering while driving on highway. Dashboard lit up like a christmas tree. Managed to hard steer off the road. No warning of any kind just died at 60Mph. Ford replaced entire electronic steering gear assembly at my cost, very expensive $2,800
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
Power steering stopped working, no warning lights or messages appear in the dashboard. Vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it. No power assist while i was driving and vehicle suddenly started going to the left, had to jam on brakes before i hit a vehicle parked on the left side if the street. Vehicle has not been looked at yet.
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
the steering is getting hard and soft. when turning making it difficult to drive
Steering, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the traffic control light and traction control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired with a used part. The failure reoccurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Steering, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the advance track, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as the electrical power steering. The contact stated that the rack and pinion and electrical motor for the steering wheel needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Jun 7, 2022
Vehicle Electronic Power Steering stopped working. Power Steering Fault & Service Advanced Trac message. Also saw a day later another message that would come up with the Service Advanced Trac. It would be to Check Brake System. While researching I found that Ford had a recall for the Power Steering & Service Advance Trac for the 2011 - 2013 model years. On the NHTSA there have been quite a few people complaining about the 2014 model for Power Steering & Service Advance Trac. I didn't get a picture of the Power Steering fault, but I did get a picture of the Service AdvanceTrac with the Check Brake message. Putting it in with this as well.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump failed which caused the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Jun 4, 2022
While driving, without warning, the power steering went out. My 2014 Explorer became extremely difficult to steer. Luckily this happened before I made it to the end of my street. Had my wife been driving or I was traveling at higher speeds, this would have definitely resulted in an accident. We parked the car for a week, trying it intermittently, and today the steering worked again. But not knowing when or where it will happen again, and the accident risk to my family and other drivers, makes this vehicle inoperable. Given the similar complaints from other 2014 Explorer owners, this is clearly the case of a faulty part or system and Ford should issue a recall.
Steering, Jun 3, 2022
lost power steering while driving. almost hit pedestrians
Steering, Jun 3, 2022
Power steering locked up while driving, a warning on the dash to have power steering serviced came up, we drove approximately one mile or less down the road to a friends house and as we were pulling in his drive the steering locked up, the vehicle could not be moved, it was inoperable and had to be towed to the Ford garage This was a very serious safety hazard, had it locked up while we were driving down the road we would had no control of the steering, and ended up where it took us. Across the center line onto on coming traffic or off the side of the road. Vey scary situation
Suspension, Jun 3, 2022
The rear suspension on this vehicle stinks! I've done 2 recalls for the toe links. Now I've had to replace the rear wheel bearings. They were both bad! Niw that's done, i've a really bad(dangerous) swaying problem! The darn thing won't hardly stay on the road! I had to go to the VA for a dr appt last week in Huntington WV. On the way home i hit a downpour. I was lucky to get pulled over! The thing hydro-planed and bucked all over the road. I was only going about 40-45mph! The toe and camber are way out on the driver side rear, and the passenger side isn't much better... Those aren't the only problems. There's quite a list with this piece of junk! From the cat converters to the rear door locks, there's always been issues. I'm the second driver. I'm on disability and drive nowhere. Especially doing/driving cazy/ abusive. My dad was the other driver until he passed in 2018, and he was just an old preacher. He never hit 75mph in the thing, though he put alot of highway miles on it. I've never been above like 78 - 80mph in it... We both were/are very proactive as far as maintenence... There ought to be a lemon law...
Steering, May 31, 2022
Electric Power Steering unit has frozen or locked up. Occurred at slow speed in my driveway before I pulled out into traffic, fortunately. Unable to turn steering wheel at all. Disconnecting battery to reset system did not change anything. Car will have to be towed or trailered to dealer for repair.